Peña Search

Peña Search Executive Search Consultants

Peña Search Consulting specializes in placement of individuals for leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and small to midsize for-profit companies. We employ a highly individualized approach that looks deeper than the objective requirements of a position and qualifications of a candidate to the subtler, yet no less crucial, question of cultural fit.

At Peña Search, mission-driven leadership is not just one sector among many. It is our sole focus.We work exclusively wi...
06/02/2026

At Peña Search, mission-driven leadership is not just one sector among many. It is our sole focus.

We work exclusively with nonprofit organizations. Every search is informed by deep sector knowledge and long-standing relationships throughout the mission-driven landscape.

This focus helps us identify leaders who understand the full ecosystem they are entering—boards, funders, communities, and partners—and who can lead with credibility from day one.

Learn more: www.penasearch.com

Sustainable fundraising doesn't live in one person's relationships. It lives in infrastructure — brand clarity, program ...
05/27/2026

Sustainable fundraising doesn't live in one person's relationships. It lives in infrastructure — brand clarity, program credibility, board engagement, functional systems, and consistent donor stewardship.

A new CDO cannot secure major gifts without clear strategic priorities to fund, a compelling case for support, access to leadership and board relationships, and the systems to track and nurture donors over time.

When organizations over-rely on the rainmaker model, they often set new hires up for failure — and the frustration typically surfaces within 18 to 24 months.

Before the next CDO search, boards should assess organizational readiness honestly: Is there a clear funding strategy? Are board members willing to open doors? Are the support systems in place?

Revenue growth requires collective action — not just the right hire.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

https://penasearch.com/

Leadership with Purpose” is our recently launched series featuring in-depth conversations with established thought leade...
05/19/2026

Leadership with Purpose” is our recently launched series featuring in-depth conversations with established thought leaders at some of the nation’s most respected mission-driven organizations.

Our inaugural issue features Brent Christopher, current President of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Dallas, who leads his 80+ member team focused on fundraising efforts that include a jointly sponsored campaign with UT Southwestern Medical to raise $1 billion for construction of a $5.2 billion state-of-the-art pediatric campus in Dallas.

Subscribe to receive future issues of our complimentary interview series, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe here: https://ow.ly/4Qja50YWGKh

At Peña Search, our principals have held leadership roles in mission-driven organizations. That experience shapes how we...
05/14/2026

At Peña Search, our principals have held leadership roles in mission-driven organizations. That experience shapes how we approach every search.

We understand the realities leaders face because we’ve lived them: fundraising pressure that never eases, complex governance dynamics, cultural stewardship, and the responsibility to advance a mission in a demanding, highly competitive environment.

This firsthand perspective allows us to assess more than credentials. We evaluate readiness for the real-world demands of mission-driven leadership.

Learn more: www.penasearch.com

The Senior Director of Development will serve as the chief development leader for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and a k...
05/12/2026

The Senior Director of Development will serve as the chief development leader for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and a key member of the Diocesan leadership team. This individual will play an integral role in strengthening and growing a culture of philanthropy across the Diocese and the broader community, ensuring fundraising efforts align with its mission, pastoral priorities, and long-term vision.

Learn more about this opportunity: https://penasearch.com/job/senior-director-of-development-26283/

Connect with Carlos, Travis, or Thaise to learn more about the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, the role, and the ideal candidate.

Carlos Peña was recently featured in NonProfit PRO, sharing an important perspective: fundraising isn’t failing… expecta...
05/08/2026

Carlos Peña was recently featured in NonProfit PRO, sharing an important perspective: fundraising isn’t failing… expectations are.

In the article, Carlos breaks down common misconceptions, from the “rainmaker myth” to underinvesting in infrastructure, and highlights why sustainable revenue growth requires shared ownership, strong systems, and aligned leadership.

If your organization is looking to strengthen its fundraising strategy and set more realistic, effective expectations, this is a must-read.

Read the full article and start building a more effective, sustainable path to growth: https://penasearch.com/fundraising-is-not-failing-expectations-are-misconceptions-about-revenue-growth/

Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Finance oversees the organization’s financial operations...
04/30/2026

Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Finance oversees the organization’s financial operations, including accounting, reporting, compliance, and financial management.

This is a critical role at a pivotal time for the organization, offering the opportunity to strengthen and help build a disciplined, transparent, and scalable finance function in support of the school’s continued growth and impact.

Connect with Travis Hillier and learn more about this role.

https://penasearch.com/job/director-of-finance-26282/

What does effective nonprofit leadership actually look like today? We sat down with Brent Christopher, President of Chil...
04/28/2026

What does effective nonprofit leadership actually look like today? We sat down with Brent Christopher, President of Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Dallas, to get his perspective on leading with impact in a mission-driven organization.

From common misconceptions about nonprofit leadership to building effective boards and using storytelling to drive fundraising, Brent shares practical insights for leaders at every stage.

Read more: https://penasearch.com/leadership-with-purpose-interview-with-brent-christopher/

The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving v...
04/23/2026

The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving vulnerable populations through faith-driven, high-impact grantmaking. In this role, you will be responsible for shaping and executing grantmaking strategies, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that donor intent is translated into measurable outcomes and impact.

Connect with Travis Hillier to learn more about this organization, position, or the ideal candidate.

https://penasearch.com/job/chief-philanthropy-officer-reesjones-26281/

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2626 Cole Avenue, Suite 300
Dallas, TX
75204

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